Ghost In The Computer

Glossily shot and scored, the psychological thriller Ghost in the Computer is a superior example of commercial Mainland cinema with more than a few influences from Hong Kong. Starting off like a Chinese version of Basic Instinct, it develops into a stylish mystery centred on dirty deeds by rival business parties. Various companies (Chinese, Japanese, Thai) are contenders in the multi-stage bidding process for a $1.5 billion pan-island motorway in an unnamed country. The stressed-out Yan Jun, head of the Chinese bidder, takes a break at a health resort, where he's seduced by mysterious, sexy nurse Ning Xin. Meanwhile, Yan's secretary, who secretly fancies him, is approached by a middleman from the Thai company. When the Japanese company, run by the ruthless Miki, starts doing well in subsequent stages of the bidding, Yan suspects a leak - but it is his secretary who discovers the truth. Though the movie has none of the sex and violence that would be expected in a Hong Kong version of the same story, first-time Shanghainese director Hai Da brings a stylish visual design to the story that makes play with repeated set-ups, mimicking the bidding process. Actress Shi Lan is an eyeful as the vampish Ning, and the music adds to the atmosphere.